Stephanie Nunn, a representative of the Resident’s Association for Hornchurch and for the Elm Park Focus team, said: “This is a nice little community and not only is rubbish being thrown everywhere, it’s making everyone on edge”.

Now a row has broken out between groups over security measures at the car park.

Cllr Barry Oddy (Conservative, Elm Park) said on community forum Streetlife: “Access was gained by breaking the locks on the gate.”

Around 25 caravans were parked in Bretons car park last week

But Cllr Barbara Matthews, (Residents’ Association, Hacton), said: “Whoever started the rumour that these travellers cut the barrier locks to gain entry is absolutely wrong. There was no barrier in use, and that needs addressing urgently to prevent any future invasions”.

Stephanie added: “He [Cllr Oddy] is treating us like fools!”

When the Parks Protection Service went to speak to the travellers, they were told there were different groups that were planning to move on soon, some to Brighton and others to Cambridge.

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